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The Arts Council has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with London Councils setting out our shared ambition for a creative capital.

London Councils is a cross-party organisation representing London’s 32 borough councils and the City of London. It makes the case to government, the Mayor and others to get the best deal for Londoners and encourages sharing among boroughs – be that ideas, good practice, resources, or new approaches.

The Arts Council and London Councils have a shared interest in creating a city which nurtures and supports the arts, museums, libraries and creative industries but which recognises and responds to the different local circumstances.

London faces a unique set of challenges over the next decade: low engagement with the arts, rapid population growth, affordable workspace and the pressures of rebalancing.

This MoU confirms our joint commitment to working together towards culturally active, diverse, prosperous, cohesive and healthy communities in London.

Darren Henley, CEO of Arts Council England, said:

“The Arts Council is exceptionally proud of London’s status as a world capital of the arts, and wholly committed to maintaining it, as part of the country’s cultural ecology. But we can’t do this alone. Wherever you are, to make successful art and culture grow – and reap the dividends they bring – local knowledge is invaluable. This is particularly resonant in London, with its nuanced neighbourhoods and distinct borough characteristics.”

The collaboration comes after our announcement of National Portfolio Funding for 2018-2022, in which we demonstrated our commitment to rebalancing our funding across the country by applying a 4% increase in funding to all geographical areas outside of London. London’s NPO funding will remain at a standstill.

However, we have always said we will support London as the cultural leader is. This MoU supports that.

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